The Midway Six:
The Forgotten Heroes
of the Battle of Midway
A Short Documentary
Watch the Story of the Midway Six
On June 4, 1942, six American naval aviators helped change the course of the Battle of Midway and the war in the Pacific. Wade McClusky, Max Leslie, Eugene Lindsey, Lance Massey, John Waldron, and Richard Best each led or carried out missions that demanded extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and leadership under devastating conditions.
This short documentary tells the story of the Midway Six, the actions that made their contribution to victory possible, and the continuing effort to secure recognition worthy of what they accomplished. Watch their story, remember their sacrifice, and learn why the Honor American Heroes campaign is working to ensure their legacy receives the national recognition it deserves.
Honoring the Midway 6
Honor American Heroes is a national campaign to honor:
- Commander C. Wade McClusky
- Lieutenant Commander Max F. Leslie
- Lieutenant Commander John C. Waldron
- Lieutenant Commander Eugene E. Lindsey
- Lieutenant Commander Lance E. Massey
- Lieutenant Richard H. Best
Six American heroes whose courage at the Battle of Midway helped turn the tide of World War II. Their bravery, valor, and fearless leadership represent the very best of American exceptionalism. We are here to share their story, defend the historical record, and rally the nation to secure the Medal of Honor recognition they earned.
News
Follow campaign updates, articles, and historical insights.
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A Major Step Forward: The Patronis Amendment to Honor the Midway Six
A new amendment offered by Congressman Jimmy Patronis would authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to the Midway Six, the Navy heroes whose courage helped turn the tide of World War II.
Why Their Valor Matters
The Midway 6 helped change the course of World War II, yet their heroism remains under-recognized. By learning their stories, you support a more complete, honest record of American courage and sacrifice.
The Battle of Midway
Only six months after Pearl Harbor, the Imperial Japanese Navy moved toward Midway Atoll with a bold plan: seize the island, draw out the weakened U.S. Pacific Fleet, and push American power back across the ocean. What Japan found instead was a nation that had absorbed the blow, studied the enemy, broken the code, and sent its sailors and aviators forward with the confidence of a free people who refused to yield.
Sources and Further Reading & Viewing
Honor American Heroes is committed to preserving the historical record, presenting the story of the Midway Six accurately, and giving readers direct access to the materials behind this campaign. The resources include Honor American Heroes campaign materials, official congressional documents, United States Department of Defense guidance, and independent historical and educational sources. Together, they provide context for the Battle of Midway, the actions of the Midway Six, the Medal of Honor standard, and the continuing effort to secure the recognition these six American heroes deserve.
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